Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 60
  2. Negative: 0 out of 60
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  1. Jul 2, 2012
    100
    Overall I was surprised by just how much meat there was to Theatrhythm's gameplay, which ends up being a lot more than just tapping along with icons on a screen. The whole concept of building a party, outfitting them will skills and equipment, and leveling them up over the course of 40 plus songs is really a lot of fun, and insanely addictive.
  2. Jul 23, 2012
    95
    Don't buy Theatrhythm if you do not have access to at least one Final Fantasy, because it's impossible not to want to play them all again after having fun with their soundtracks.
  3. Jul 9, 2012
    90
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is, quite simply, a superbly polished game that benefits to no small degree from having 25 years of amazing material to draw from.
  4. 90
    The size and pliability of the Final Fantasy music library ultimately allows for the game's extensive and difficulty spanning interpretations of each track, and fosters as fulfilling an experience as almost anything else on the 3DS.
  5. Jul 9, 2012
    90
    Theatrhythm's varying difficulties make it easy to enjoy for players of all skill levels with the RPG mechanics an extra bonus for those who desire it. It absolutely does justice to the Final Fantasy brand, presenting its characters and, most importantly, music with love and respect that makes it feel like a tribute as much as a standalone video game. There are so many songs to play, items to find and characters to level up you'll find yourself struggling to put it down.
  6. Jul 5, 2012
    90
    Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, along with Resident Evil: Revelations, proves that third-parties can do amazing things on Nintendo hardware. It is more than deserving of your money, and while it might not be a system seller (or escape from the FF garbage we've all come to know and love/hate), Theatrhythm stands strong alongside Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land as a game 3DS owners must have.
  7. Jul 5, 2012
    90
    Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a masterpiece, that will not only be adored by fans of the RPG series, but anyone who loves music, full stop. A stunning music-based game that any Nintendo 3DS owner should not be without.
  8. Games Master UK
    Jul 24, 2012
    89
    Gorgeous to look at, epic to listen to, and an absolute pleasure to play. [Sept 2012, p.105]
  9. Jul 18, 2012
    85
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a great rhythm game, which offers a peculiar gameplay, and some of the best videogame music of all times. Definitely a must for Final Fantasy fans.
  10. Jul 17, 2012
    85
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a surprisingly good rhythm game for every kind of player: it's easy to play and filled with content, challenges and goodies to unlock. The soundtrack is outstanding and despite some weak jRPG features it really shines as a Final Fantasy spin-off.
  11. Jul 3, 2012
    85
    One of the smartest games Square has released in the FF line in some time. It pulls players in right away but hides a great amount of depth and bonus content. It pays reverence to the past but tries something new and isn't above making a joke or two at its own expense.
  12. Jun 28, 2012
    85
    Although the RPG elements feel a bit wasted, the varied gameplay options, scaled difficulty settings, and plethora of unlockable goodies still make for an excellent rhythm experience.
  13. An addictive, lovingly created rhythm game and a treat for Final Fantasy fans, though it can get a bit repetitive at times.
  14. Jul 19, 2012
    83
    Regardless of what kind of Final Fantasy fan you are– casual, veteran or newbie– Theatrhythm has a little something for everyone, but only if you enjoy rhythm games, because that's what this is.
  15. Jul 17, 2012
    83
    Theatrythm: Final Fantasy is the perfect proof that music- and roleplaying games can fit together.
  16. Jul 9, 2012
    83
    One of the best things of Final Fantasy series is its music, and this game remind us of that. This is a gift for series followers, and if you like music games and Final Fantasy this is a must-have game. 77 songs and a great amount of extras and unlockables will make you play for many hours.
  17. Jul 6, 2012
    82
    Yes, I think they could have thought of a better name. But then it doesn't really matter, because at its core you'll get a charming homage to a plethora of immortal videogame compositions.
  18. Jul 3, 2012
    82
    Far from being a mere "fan-service", Theatrhythm Final Fantasy lives up to the expectations. It´s a great musical game with tons of content.
  19. Oct 27, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a surprisingly solid rhythm game that both Final Fantasy fans and general video game music enthusiasts should try.
  20. Oct 3, 2012
    80
    Watching the cute little characters cutting down cute little enemies, using familiar abilities and items, exploring old themes… It's done something I never thought possible. It's made me nostalgic for Final Fantasy games. Even Final Fantasy XIII. Again, I love the idea of the Final Fantasy saga, and this allows me to explore it and remember all the things that made it great, all while having a great rhythm game, to boot. There are enough unlockables to keep you going back for 'just one more song'.
  21. Aug 3, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy stands tall on the merits of the soundtrack – picking up solid tunes from the first 13 numbered games. Combining the best-of practices of other rhythm games and blending in some light roleplaying elements freshens up the mix. With a lesser game franchise behind it, or with less epic music, it would likely fall flat. With three varied playing styles, lots of incentives to perform better, makes this a hard game to put down. From the sheer nostalgic moments induced by the soundtrack, to the high-intensity tapping required to master the harder difficulties - this is a monumental experience.
  22. Jul 29, 2012
    80
    Not only Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is an addictively funny rhythm game, but it's a familiar and intimate voyage in some of every gamer's fondest memories.
  23. Jul 21, 2012
    80
    Scatty, overambitious design disappoints, but the Final Fantasy love rings out loud and clear like the honk of a Chocobo with its head trapped in a tuba. [Aug 2012, p.95]
  24. 80
    A bizarre mix of wildly different genres, weird chibi-inspired graphics and loads of charm. For once it feels like Square Enix has rediscovered their ability to take any genre and give it their own unique twists, and coupled with a backdrop consisting of the entire Final Fantasy series, this game becomes quite the charmer.
  25. Jul 13, 2012
    80
    Square Enix is celebrating the Final Fantasy series 25th anniversary with a highly original game filled with the probably best music you can find in any game. You need to own this!
  26. Jul 12, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is an interesting way to celebrate a franchise. Instead of building up a boring collection of old games, Square Enix creates a brand new experience crafted around one of the most important elements of the Final Fantasy franchise: its awesome music.
  27. Jul 11, 2012
    80
    If you've ever enjoyed the compositions found in the Final Fantasy series, then Theatrhythm is for you, as it's a decent music-based game with loads of extras for FF buffs to discover.
  28. 80
    Theatrhythm won't be for everyone, obviously. Not everyone has an affection for video game music, and the game is strongly aimed at people with at least some familiarity with the Final Fantasy series. For series fans or rhythm game fans, it's a great choice. Heck, Theatrhythm's potent cocktail of an easy-to-learn rhythm gameplay and RPG mechanics even pulled in a doubter like me.
  29. Jul 7, 2012
    80
    A very good rhythm-action game, and a confusing but compelling RPG. But, above all else, it is a nostalgic anniversary package that will be adored by Final Fantasy fans and sets a new benchmark for interactive celebrations.
  30. Nintendo Power
    Jul 7, 2012
    80
    If you like Final Fantasy or music games, Theatrhythm won't disappoint. [July 2012, p.80]
  31. Jul 6, 2012
    80
    A surprisingly successful effort at wrapping an RPG around a rhythm game. Come for the Final Fantasy name, stay for the music.
  32. Jul 6, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a sensational piece: as a rhythm game it's challenging an enjoyable, and as a Final Fantasy game it's truly amazing, much more than being just a game created to celebrate the 25th aniversary of the franchise. For sure, one of the greatest spin-offs ever made.
  33. Jul 5, 2012
    80
    Given Square Enix's recent track record, it's easy to see this game showing up on iOS devices in the not-distant future, but if you're looking for an endearingly entertaining rhythm package to occupy your 3DS right now, Theatrhythm fits the bill.
  34. Jul 5, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a digital jukebox full of musical highlights from the Final Fantasy series. Thanks to three different modes the game is varied throughout and ideal for short trips, preferably trips down memory lane.
  35. Jul 5, 2012
    80
    Before you buy Theatrhythm, consider the following major factor: are you a Final Fantasy fan? Simply put, TFF is mostly a love letter to people who have supported the series over the years.
  36. Jul 3, 2012
    80
    Anyone who has an appreciation for Final Fantasy music will find much to love here.
  37. Jul 3, 2012
    80
    Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a nostalgic trip back through the history of one of Japan's most beloved RPG franchises-and while that trip isn't exactly the dream vacation it could have been, it's absolutely a journey worth taking for all Final Fantasy fans.
  38. Jul 3, 2012
    80
    The varying levels of difficulty, heavy emphasis on fan service and inviting gameplay make Theatrhythm a great way to celebrate the franchise's legacy.
  39. Jul 2, 2012
    80
    I enjoy the base gameplay, and the music, enough that I have no problem replaying each song repeatedly; however, I cannot ignore that I am, in fact, replaying each song repeatedly. Depending on your temperament, this might be an irritant.
  40. Jun 29, 2012
    80
    While Final Fantasy has lost its way in recent years, Theatrhythm is a warm, wonderful reminder of why you fell in love with the series in the first place. While your mileage will depend on your familiarity with the series, in its own right this is a fun and quirky rhythm game full of neat ideas, but for long-time Final Fantasy fans this is nigh-on essential.
  41. Jun 28, 2012
    80
    As a big Final Fantasy fan and enthusiast of video game music in general, I love being able to appreciate these classics in a new way. I'll always get a chill listening to the intense orchestral version of "One-Winged Angel" or the happy-go-lucky chocobo theme. The tacked-on progression system may be unsatisfying, but it doesn't stop Theatrhythm from being a fun, simple rhythm game with an amazing musical library.
  42. Jul 18, 2012
    78
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a solid rhythm game wrapped in a shell of Final Fantasy. If you're just looking for a rhythm game, it's a good choice, provided you're willing to put some time into characters and skills to have the best experience. For fans of the series and the music, there's a ton of content here, with just enough of an RPG splash to get your fix. Great additions like collectible trading cards and unlockable movies make this an easy recommendation for fans of the series.
  43. Aug 2, 2012
    75
    Theatrhythm : Final Fantasy is clearly a game developed for fans. Similar to Dissidia in terms of contents to unlock, the game also offers a interesting gameplay introducing some RPG elements. The experience points are earned with difficulty and yet pride, especially when when players will fint it unthinkable not to play each musical pieces over and over again to reach perfection. A great opportunity to discover or rediscover the amazing compositions composed by Uematsu, Hamauzu or Sakimoto!
  44. Jul 20, 2012
    75
    It's not a particularly great rhythm game, nor is it really a Final Fantasy one, but for some reason the two work together well.
  45. Jul 6, 2012
    75
    It helps to think of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy as a digital celebration of the series' music and culture rather than a deep gaming experience.
  46. Jun 29, 2012
    75
    Theatrhythm is not only an endearing nostalgia trip with a killer soundtrack, but a fine rhythm game to boot.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 127
  2. Negative: 14 out of 127
  1. Jul 3, 2012
    10
    All right, I may be biased. I love final fantasy, and I love Chibi Lightning. But Theatrhytm is really good fun. The foundation of the game,All right, I may be biased. I love final fantasy, and I love Chibi Lightning. But Theatrhytm is really good fun. The foundation of the game, the music, is not only drawn from some of the best soundtracks around, but easily some of the best in gaming; making for a fantastic rhythm game. I can easily play some of the songs over and over again, especially the Sunleth Waterscape and the Seymour Battle theme. And despite a genre which I initially expected to being non conducive to classic FF grinding and collecting, earning new songs and characters makes playing it so, so much more engaging, and adds hours and hours of playtime, even if you are not a fan of the series. In short, the game is a blast and one of the few portable games where I turn the volume to the max.
    Ps: I got the bonus sticker set, LOVIN IT.
    Full Review »
  2. Jul 3, 2012
    9
    If you are an avid fan of Final Fantasy this is a must buy. The nostalgia meter is through the roof on this one, and there is a large amountIf you are an avid fan of Final Fantasy this is a must buy. The nostalgia meter is through the roof on this one, and there is a large amount of substance to the game beyond tapping along to songs. I have played many 3DS games and not one of them has ever made me motion sick. The 3D in this game coupled with the moving targets made me sick to my stomach after about 30 minutes of play. But, I powered through it because I'm a champ, and this is an awesome game! I would consider this the first decent game Square has made about Final Fantasy since XII. Full Review »
  3. Jul 6, 2012
    3
    Really Enix?
    This Game sucks, incomplete songs (a song of 4 minutes in theathrythm is 2 minutes), really bad 3d, only 3 songs for game ( I
    Really Enix?
    This Game sucks, incomplete songs (a song of 4 minutes in theathrythm is 2 minutes), really bad 3d, only 3 songs for game ( I not included the crystals songs in "history" mode) more than 50 songs in dlc... really? Since ff X-2, Enix lost his mind, and ff 13 it's a insult for ff fans... pfff, really bad game for 3ds, only for nostalgics and freaks, but the incomplete songs kills me so much... Enix U mad...
    Full Review »